Manchester United complete Victor Valdes signing

Victor Valdes of Manchester United poses with a scarf after signing for the club at Aon Training Complex

Manchester United have announced the signing of former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes on an initial 18-month contract, with an option for a further year. Valdes has been training at United since October as part of his bid to recover from a knee injury he suffered in March, and there had been rumours that he would sign a permanent deal at the Manchester club.

Valdes, 32, came through the ranks of the FC Barcelona youth system, going on to win 21 major titles in La Liga. The Spanish international also has 20 caps for his national team. He parted ways with Barcelona last year after a long and fruitful career with them.

Victor Valdes said: "It is a real honour to sign for Manchester United. I would like to thank Louis van Gaal and the club for allowing me to do my rehabilitation and to train with the team at the Aon Training Complex.

"From my short time here I can already see this is a very special club. I worked with Louis van Gaal during my time at FC Barcelona and to have the opportunity to work with him here at Manchester United is a dream come true."

Valdes will be understudy to De Gea: Van Gaal

The signing of Valdes could bring an end to Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos' Manchester United careers as the goalkeeping duo have been told they can leave the club.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal said: "I am delighted Victor has signed for the club. Victor is a very experienced goalkeeper and his record speaks for itself.

"I have said on many occasions that Manchester United will always be interested in the best players. Victor has remained very professional throughout his rehabilitation from injury and has been very impressive during his training sessions with the first team over the past weeks.

"He joins the club as the number two goalkeeper and is a great addition to the first team."